New York Rangers defenseman Michael Sauer (38) blocks a shot by San Jose Sharks left wing Ryane Clowe (29) in the first period of their NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden in New York on Monday. (Reuters
Reuters/Sunrise, Florida


The Winnipeg Jets had the final say in a back and forth divisional battle that saw them knock off the Florida Panthers in a 4-3 shootout on Monday.
The Jets trailed 3-2 in the third period and were seconds away from defeat before Evander Kane delivered his second goal of the game to tie the contest with 50 seconds remaining in regulation.
After a scoreless overtime period, Winnipeg converted two of three shootout attempts while goaltender Ondrej Pavelec faced two unsuccessful shots from Florida to cap a stellar night.
Pavelec finished with 39 saves, including 19 in the first period, and shone in the extra sessions after it appeared Florida (6-4-1) had stolen the game in the third.
First-period goals by Kyle Wellwood and Kane had given the Jets a 2-1 lead, but Florida’s Tomas Fleischmann scored twice in the third to rally the Panthers to a 3-2 edge with 2:10 left.
“We didn’t let that last goal put us down,” Winnipeg captain Andrew Ladd told reporters. “We came back and found a way to get another one and get a win.”
Kane’s timely goal played a big part and helped Winnipeg (4-6-1) get the best of their Southeast Division rivals.
His score was a backhand rebound out of midair and was originally waved off for high-sticking but the ruling was reversed after a video review.
“I’ve never really seen that before, but it was nice to see them make the right call,” Kane said.
“I wasn’t too nervous. I thought my stick was definitely below the crossbar. Like I said, they talked it over and made the right call.”
Following overtime, Andrew Ladd and Wellwood netted the two shootout scores to help the Jets earn a big win on the third contest of their seven-game road trip.

Stalberg’s OT goal lifts Blackhawks over Predators

CHICAGO: Viktor Stalberg scored at 2:18 of overtime and Patrick Kanehad two goals and an assist in regulation to help Chicago beat the Nashville Predators 5-4 on Monday night.
Stalberg rushed down the right wing on a 3-on-2 break, but pulled up with a move that made Nashville defenseman Jack Hillen(notes) turn the wrong way. Stalberg then cut in front and fired a shot past Pekka Rinne(notes) for his third goal in two games.